Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:392. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to enter a bilateral air defence agreement with Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18858/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternational Agreements
Ceisteanna (392)
Freagraí scríofa
The White Paper on Defence (2015) sets the policy framework for the coming years including the State’s approach to defence from armed aggression. It confirms that Ireland will continue to maintain a policy of military neutrality which is characterised by non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements. I can confirm that there are no plans to enter a bilateral air defence agreement with Britain.
Air Corps
Ceisteanna (393)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:393. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress which has been made in his talks with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to secure funding to retain specialist personnel in the Defence Forces; and the status of efforts by his Department to improve the capacity of the Air Corps. [18859/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Public Service Pay Commission is expected to report in the coming weeks. Once this report is available, the Government intends to initiate negotiations on a successor to the Lansdowne Road Agreement. I can confirm that my Department has also recently submitted initial observations to the Commission, via the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform. As these matters are under deliberation, I trust the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to disclose the content of the Department’s submission at this point in time.
Given the improvement in the domestic economy and demand for experienced pilots, the retention of experienced Pilot Officers in the Air Corps has been a significant challenge for the Defence Organisation in recent years, and there has been an outflow of experienced Air Corps Pilot Officers, both rotary and fixed wing. A Working Group comprised of Civil and Military personnel was established to look at ways of addressing the issue of how to retain sufficiently experienced Pilot Officers within the Air Corps. The Working Group’s report contained a number of recommendations ranging from increasing recruitment levels to examining the current terms and conditions of pilots. Work on the implementation of the Working Group’s recommendations is currently ongoing by both Civil and Military staff of the Defence Organisation. While there are a number of initiatives underway, realistically it will take time for a return to previous levels of capability in the Air Corps as pilots within the system progress to become aircraft commanders and newly qualified cadets become co-pilots.
With regard to efforts being made to improve the capacity of the Air Corps, there are four Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technician classes totalling 41 personnel in technical training. 5 Apprentice Technicians are due to qualify this summer. In addition, on March 13, 2017, new Apprentice Technicians began their training, and upon successful completion, they will qualify as Aircraft Technicians on the Air Corps Fixed and Rotary winged fleet. It is anticipated that these 10 Aircraft Technicians will qualify in Q2 2020.
It is planned that up to 25 Apprentice Aircraft Technicians will be inducted in Q3/4 2017. There are 6 Air Traffic Services personnel currently in training and a further 8 students commenced their training on Monday 27 March, 2017.
The Air Corps Pilot Officer Cadetship competition launched on 22 March, 2017 with a planned intake of up to 12 Cadets in Q3 2017. There are currently 3 Cadet Classes, comprising 27 personnel at various stages of their Pilot Officer 'Wings Course'. The 7 Cadets of the senior Cadet Class are due to be commissioned as Pilot Officers in Q4 2017.
Defence Forces Reserve Strength
Ceisteanna (394)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:394. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of recruits enlisted to serve in the Reserve Defence Forces since 2010 in tabular form. [18860/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table below sets out the number of recruits to the Reserve Defence Force since 2010:
|
Year |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Number ENLISTED |
441 |
274 |
362 |
1 |
157 |
344 |
78 |
32 |
As I have stated previously, my Government colleagues and I remain committed to the ongoing development of the Reserve, within the framework set out in the White Paper on Defence.
Recruitment to both the PDF and RDF remains a priority in 2017. Membership of the RDF is voluntary and unpaid and the quest for recruits must compete with the other organisations within the voluntary sector. These conditions along with the unique demands of military service make the issue of attracting recruits a challenging one. In the context of both finite resources and personnel, it is necessary to strike an appropriate balance in terms of PDF and RDF recruitment, so as to deliver the desired effects of maintaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake all roles assigned to it by Government and to advance the single force structure. It is anticipated the next RDF recruitment campaign will commence in the second half of 2017. Until then the RDF will continue to induct from the 2015/2016 panel. The Defence Forces are reviewing the 2015/2016.
Air Corps Operations
Ceisteanna (395, 399)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:395. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress that has been made to return a full level of air traffic control services to the Air Corps; and the options that are being considered to ensure the longer-term sustainability of air traffic control. [18861/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:399. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the training of additional air traffic controllers will be completed to the point that the Air Corps can provide 24-hour duties; and if before a qualified controller can work in a tower on their own, they must have obtained the rank of sergeant or higher. [18865/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 399 together.
Actions are under way to return a full level of air traffic control services to the Air Corps. Air Traffic Control training is taking place and options to ensure the longer-term sustainability of Air Traffic Control services in Baldonnel are being identified and a mentor is also now in place to aid the newly appointed ATC Squadron Commander in Baldonnel. These measures will facilitate a gradual extension of operational hours for air traffic control services in Baldonnel over the year, beginning this May, as newly qualified personnel develop their experience.
The Air Corps continues to provide a broad range of services on a daily basis for a diverse range of tasks such as Army and Naval Service support, the Emergency Aero - medical Service, maritime patrols and fishery protection, the Ministerial Air Transport Service, inter-hospital transfers and Aid to the Civil Power duties including the Garda Air Support Unit and cash escorts.
The level of availability of Air Corps aircraft for such tasks has reduced. This reduction is not due to cuts in personnel but largely because the Air Corps has experienced retirements of highly experienced personnel. These retirements are outstripping the recruitment and training of replacement personnel. The loss of experienced personnel is driven by a range of factors, including the availability of attractive job opportunities in the private and commercial semi-state sectors.
I want to assure the Deputy that, while there has been this loss of experienced personnel, there is significant work underway in the Defence Organisation (civil and military) aimed at improving the capacity of the Air Corps. This includes:
- Pilot Cadets in training,
- Cadet Recruitment Campaign underway,
- Four personnel will complete Air Traffic Control training between May and September this year,
- The Air Corps is currently inducting a further Air Traffic Control Course,
- NCO Vacancies in the Air Corps will be filled from the recently launched NCO promotion competition.
Decisions on when the Air Corps will be in a position to return to full capacity will be based on a continuous risk assessment. The Air Corps’ ability to consolidate its personnel and experience profile is central to this risk assessment.
While there are a number of initiatives underway, realistically it will take time for a return to previous levels of capability in the Air Corps. This approach will be governed by the overarching requirements of safety.
With regard to Air Traffic Control (ATC) training, it is envisaged that sufficient personnel will be technically qualified to re-establish 24 hours services in Quarter 1 2018. This is allowing for normal failure rates associated with Air Traffic Control training. The re-establishment of 24 hours operations at Casement Aerodrome is a priority for the military authorities.
Air Traffic Controllers are required to be of the rank of Sergeant at least, in order to fulfil the duties of Duty Air Traffic Control Officer (DATCO) i.e. solely responsible for the safe operation and control of the aerodrome outside normal duty hours.
Defence Forces Equipment
Ceisteanna (396)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:396. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the efforts to refurbish the Army’s fleet of armoured personnel carriers; and the projected date for completion of this contract. [18862/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out on the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning process.
The White Paper provides that the Army will continue to retain all-arms conventional military capabilities. The principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements both at home and overseas.
There is focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles, and in this regard a maintenance and upgrade programme has commenced for the current fleet of 80 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) which will seek to ensure viability of the fleet out to 2030.
A contract was agreed in December 2016 with General Dynamics European Land Systems – Mowag, the original manufacturer of the fleet who is based in Switzerland, for a maintenance and upgrade programme. The value of the contract is €55m exclusive of VAT.
The Mowag APC is a key operational vehicle for overseas service, and the programme of work will be carried out on a phased basis over the next 5-6 years to ensure the availability of vehicles in that period.
Defence Forces Deployment
Ceisteanna (397)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:397. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of the work that has been done by his Department to address issues relating to personnel travelling between barracks. [18863/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have been advised by the military authorities that, for the most part, personnel are only deployed within their own Brigade area. However, on occasion, personnel have been redeployed for security operations to other locations, including Dublin which is a key centre for large-scale operations and ceremonial activity for the Defence Forces. It is important that military personnel have experience of the full range of duties of being part of a military force in a situation where they may be called upon to reinforce operations in different parts of the country. This requires their deployment to locations where they can gain that experience.
The Defence Forces primarily use official military transport for travel between barracks for official purposes. However, if such transport is not available, and if the travel is certified as being essential, then a suitable travel allowance can be paid to compensate the individual concerned. Travel warrants for use on public transport are also available for such travel.
Arrangements are also in place for personnel who are deployed away from their home station for a period of time (training courses, temporary duty etc.), so as to assist them in travelling between such locations either by the provision of official transport, the appropriate travel allowance or a travel warrant for use on public transport.
Furthermore, a change of station allowance is payable for a specified period to compensate personnel who are based away from their home address when they have not sought such transfer.
Members of the Defence Forces may also request a transfer between military locations, subject to the exigencies of the service.
The military authorities seek to minimise the domestic disturbance of personnel, whilst also ensuring the operational capability of the organisation is not diminished.
Lansdowne Road Agreement
Ceisteanna (398)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:398. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the benefits that will be afforded to PDFORRA’s members as a consequence of their decision to sign up to the Lansdowne Road agreement by grade and rank in tabular form. [18864/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I believe that measures contained in the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA) and the provisions introduced in Budget 2016 and 2017 will be of benefit generally to members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). The provisions set out in the LRA are an extension of the provision of the Haddington Road Agreement and all existing dispute resolution procedures continue to apply.
The LRA provided for increased salaries during 2016 and 2017 in a manner which benefited the lower paid. These benefits come in the form of increases in gross pay in 2016 for those earning up to €31,000 and in 2017 for all those earning up to €65,000. In addition the Government has introduced legislation which has commenced the process to reduce the pay reduction applied under the FEMPI Acts.
In relation to the Pensions Related Deduction (PRD), which is commonly referred to as the ‘Pension Levy’, the exemption threshold for payment of the ‘Levy’ will increase substantially during the course of the agreement from €15,000 to €28,750 which means that annual income subject to the levy below €28,750 will no longer be liable to the deduction.
You will be aware that under the Lansdowne Road Agreement paragraph 5.3, the parties have agreed that any outstanding adjudication findings as referred to in paragraph 1.16 of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 will be reviewed jointly by the Parties prior to the expiry of the Agreement.
The benefits, as set out in Section 5 of the Lansdowne Road Agreement, that have been afforded to the ranks of the Permanent Defence Force represented by PDFORRA are set out in the following table:
|
Salary Range |
Payable from 1 January 2016 |
Payable from 1 April 2017 |
|
Up to €24,000 |
Increase of 2.5% of basic pay |
€1,000.00 |
|
From €24,001 to €31,000 |
Increase of 1% of basic pay |
€1,000.00 |
|
From €31,001 to €65,000 |
Nil |
€1,000.00 |
Question No. 399 answered with Question No. 395.
Air Corps
Ceisteanna (400)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:400. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the loss of experienced ground crew technicians resulted in helicopters having to be sent to Belgium for inspections; and the dates when this has happened in tabular form. [18866/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
First line maintenance across the fleet is performed within the Air Corps. Heavy maintenance on the two EC135 helicopters is performed within the Air Corps.
Routine heavy maintenance on the Air Corps' six AW139 helicopters has been outsourced since May 2016 due to a loss in recent years of experienced Aircraft Maintenance Technicians. Since May 2016 two AW139 helicopters have undergone inspection/routine heavy maintenance in Belgium which commenced in May and August 2016 respectively.
Air Corps Training
Ceisteanna (401)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:401. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of the 28 Air Corps cadets currently in training that will be assigned as tech and fire crews. [18867/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised that upon successful completion of the Irish Air Corps Cadet Syllabus, all of the Air Corps Cadets currently in training will qualify as Pilot Officers. The individual postings of newly qualified Pilot Officers are based on Defence Forces operational needs, Unit strengths and requirements. Newly qualified Pilot Officers are not trained as, nor will they fulfil the roles of, Aircraft Technicians or Fire Crews. These roles are performed by other Defence Forces personnel.
Search and Rescue Service Provision
Ceisteanna (402)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:402. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if 6.4 and annex 2 of the service level agreement between the ICG and his Department explicitly states that SAR top cover is an Air Corps function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18868/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Service Level Agreement between the Department of Defence and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport provides that the Coast Guard search and rescue services can request the support of the Air Corps on an ‘as available’ basis. The Irish Coast Guard, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region.
As previously advised availability is dependent upon a number of factors including the availability of suitable aircraft and flying crews, ATC cover and weather conditions.
Air Corps Equipment
Ceisteanna (403)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:403. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the State’s elementary daytime interdiction capability against slow to moderate speed targets now no longer exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18869/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As stated in the White Paper on Defence (2015) the Air Corps’ existing Pilatus PC9 aircraft provide a very limited air to air and air to ground capacity. A decision was made in 2016 to replace a PC-9M aircraft which was written off following a fatal crash in 2009. The replacement PC-9M aircraft, scheduled for delivery this year from Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland at a cost of €5m plus VAT, will bring the fleet up to 8 and will assist in a required increase in pilot training in the Air Corps.
Future equipment priorities for the Air Corps are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning process.
Defence Forces Strength
Ceisteanna (404)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:404. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the number of specialist explosive ordnance personnel has fallen from 24 in 2014 to 16 in 2017; if the number available for bomb disposal operations is 11 due to the fact the five remaining personnel are on training courses or serving overseas; and if the EOD section of the Defence Forces lost its capacity to deliver world class benchmark of expertise due to the fact his Department has no retention policy to keep qualified personnel. [18870/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
For security and operational reasons it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the disposition and specific Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capabilities of the Defence Forces.
However, the military authorities have confirmed that, having regard to ongoing benchmarking with international organisations and Agencies in the field of EOD, no drop off in the Defence Forces performance or expertise has been noted.
Public Service Pay Commission Reports
Ceisteanna (405, 406)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:405. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of discussions between the Workplace Relations Commission and PDFORRA on the Public Service Pay Commission. [18871/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:406. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when report of the Public Service Pay Commission will be published; and when a decision will be made to reverse the cuts to PDFORRA members of the Defence Forces. [18872/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.
The Public Service Pay Commission, announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing analysis and advice on remuneration for the public service, including the Defence Forces, in the context of the FEMPI Acts 2009 - 2015. I understand that PDFORRA have submitted their observations to the Public Service Pay Commission. The Commission is expected to report in the coming weeks. Once this report is available, the Government intends to initiate negotiations on a successor to the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
Defence Forces Equipment
Ceisteanna (407)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:407. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress which has been made in replacing major equipment platforms for the Defence Forces, as identified in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. [18874/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister of State with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out on the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning process.
In this context the White Paper provides that the Army will continue to retain all-arms conventional military capabilities. The principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements both at home and overseas.
There is focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles, and in this regard a maintenance and upgrade programme has commenced for the current fleet of 80 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) which will seek to ensure viability of the fleet out to 2030. A small number of armoured logistical and utility vehicles are also being procured for force protection.
The White Paper underpins the ongoing replacement of the Naval Service fleet. A significant investment over recent years has been on the procurement of new Off-Shore Patrol Vessels for the Naval Service. The third ship in the programme, LÉ William Butler Yeats, was commissioned in to service in October 2016. A contract for an additional sister ship was placed with Babcock International in June 2016 at a cost of €54.3m, bringing investment in the new ships programme to over €250 million since 2010. The fourth ship is scheduled for delivery in mid 2018.
Future Naval Service capabilities are being planned as part of the White Paper project planning process which will determine the Defence Organisation’s maritime capability requirements.
The White Paper provides that the Air Corps will see the Cessna fleet replaced with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. The aircraft specification is currently being prepared, and it is expected that the tender competition will be initiated and advertised on the e-tenders website in the near future. The White Paper also provides for the replacement of two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft by 2019, with consideration of their replacement with larger more capable aircraft. This would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks.
Also, a decision was made in 2016 to replace a PC-9M aircraft which was written off following a fatal crash in 2009. The replacement PC-9M aircraft, scheduled for delivery this year from Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland at a cost of €5m plus VAT, will bring the fleet up to 8 and will assist in a required increase in pilot training in the Air Corps.
I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will continue to ensure that the Defence Forces is suitably equipped, in line with international best practice, to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
White Paper on Defence
Ceisteanna (408)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:408. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of progress made towards an institute for peace support and leadership training to focus on international education in the field of peacekeeping and conflict resolution. [18875/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The White Paper on Defence included a commitment to evaluating the potential development of a new Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training at the Defence Forces Training Centre in The Curragh. Also, the Programme for a Partnership Government included a commitment to developing this Institute. It is foreseen that the new Institute will have international standing and contribute to the overall development of knowledge and experience in the areas of peace support, leadership and conflict resolution.
Scoping work was carried out on the proposal throughout 2016 and still continues. A concept paper has been developed and some initial consultation with national and international third level and research institutes and potential philanthropic contributors has also taken place. Ongoing additional consultation is required to further explore the feasibility of the concept and this is expected to continue in 2017.
Employment Support Services
Ceisteanna (409)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:409. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress which has been made in developing a new employment support scheme which has the direct involvement of the Defence Forces and is aimed at persons in the 18 to 24 age group that might otherwise struggle to break out of cycles of disadvantage. [18876/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government and the White Paper on Defence committed the Government to putting in place a new employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces.
The objective of this scheme is to help develop a path to economic independence for participants, aged between 18 and 24 years, who are at a serious disadvantage owing to their current socio-economic situation. The scheme is designed with the specific aim of equipping participants with life and other marketable and certifiable skills which will assist them both in their capacity to participate fully in society as well as in their ability to enter the workforce and or to pursue further education for this purpose.
The scheme is a training programme of ten (10) weeks duration, consisting of five (5) weeks of training delivered by the Defence Forces interspersed with five (5) weeks of educational orientated training by the Education and Training Board.
The scheme and the programme content have been developed through detailed discussions involving the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces, the Department of Social Protection and the Dublin and Dun-Laoghaire Education and Training Board. The Department of Social Protection identifies suitable participants. Participants retain any Department of Social Protection benefits that they are currently entitled to for the duration of the Scheme. Participation on the scheme is wholly voluntary for the relevant cohort of jobseekers and there is no penalty applied for non-participation or engagement in the programme. Participants do not receive any payment from the Department of Defence.
A successful pilot programme was held in Gormanston Camp from 20 June 2016 to 26 August 2016 with 25 participants. Following an evaluation of the pilot programme and Ministerial approval, the current plan is to run 2 iterations of the programme in 2017.
The first iteration of the programme will commence in Limerick on 22 May 2017. The Department of Social Protection invited 1,006 persons selected from the Live Register in Counties Clare and Limerick aged between 18 and 24 years to attend information sessions about the scheme. 260 persons attended the information sessions held on 16 and 17 January 2017 which were conducted jointly by personnel from the Defence Forces and Department of Social Protection. There are 30 places on the programme and the selection process is ongoing.
Defence Forces Deployment
Ceisteanna (410)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:410. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel based in camps in County Donegal and Dundalk that have been assigned to duties in Dublin on a monthly basis from the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017 in tabular form. [18877/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the military authorities that in order for 2 Brigade to execute its full range of operational, training and administrative tasks, Units based outside Dublin are required to perform operational duties in Dublin on certain occasions each month. The execution of such duties provides for a shared and equitable distribution of these daily operational commitments, whilst also enhancing situational awareness of the capital for all units. These duties normally require the conduct of a wide range of familiarisation patrols throughout the greater Dublin area to 2 Brigade vital installations, and other Dublin based specific operational taskings.
The following tables out the number of Defence Forces personnel from the 27 Battalion (Dundalk), and the 28 Battalion (Donegal) that have been assigned to duties in Dublin on a monthly basis from 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017:
2012
|
- |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
27 BN |
55 |
22 |
66 |
55 |
66 |
55 |
66 |
66 |
77 |
66 |
66 |
77 |
|
28 BN |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
55 |
2013
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|||||||||
|
27 BN |
72 |
72 |
48 |
84 |
96 |
84 |
84 |
72 |
72 |
84 |
72 |
72 |
||||||||
|
28 BN |
48 |
60 |
136 |
102 |
85 |
85 |
102 |
102 |
102 |
68 |
102 |
102 |
2014
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|||||||||
|
27 BN |
72 |
72 |
72 |
80 |
102 |
85 |
68 |
102 |
102 |
85 |
102 |
91 |
||||||||
|
28 BN |
102 |
102 |
102 |
102 |
102 |
136 |
102 |
102 |
102 |
102 |
51 |
162 |
2015
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|||||||||
|
27 BN |
120 |
100 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
||||||||
|
28 BN |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
2016
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|||||||||
|
27 BN |
168 |
105 |
126 |
105 |
126 |
126 |
126 |
147 |
147 |
126 |
126 |
126 |
||||||||
|
28 BN |
122 |
122 |
104 |
122 |
122 |
122 |
122 |
122 |
122 |
122 |
122 |
122 |
2017
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
||||
|
27 BN |
147 |
126 |
147 |
63 |
|||
|
28 BN |
122 |
122 |
162 |
0 |
Ministerial Travel
Ceisteanna (411)
John Brady
Ceist:411. Deputy John Brady asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he travelled abroad as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the locations he travelled to; the duration of the trip; the cost of the trip, including travel and accommodation in addition to other expenses incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18892/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations I visited Irish troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) during the period 13 March to 20 March. Over 90% of Irish Defence Forces personnel serving overseas are based in this region. In addition I attended events in the region as part of Ireland's overall economic, political and security engagement in the region.
During the visit, I met with the Force Commander and Head of Mission in UNIFIL, Major General, Michael Beary of the Irish Defence Forces and the Head of Mission and Force Commander in UNDOF, Major General Jai Shanker Menon, who both briefed me on the situation and the challenges in their respective mission areas. During the trip I presented UN Service Medals to Irish Personnel in the UNIFIL and UNDOF missions. I also laid a wreath at a Memorial to Irish troops who lost their lives while on service with UN Missions in Lebanon.
The trip also included a visit to Jerusalem where I met with Defence Forces personnel serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO). I also met with the Head of Mission and Chief of Staff, UNTSO, Major General David Gawn. The Major General briefed me on the current challenges impacting on the UNTSO mission and also the security and political situation pertaining in the wider region.
At the medal ceremonies and the St Patrick's Day ceremonies in UNIFIL, UNDOF and UNTSO, I met with members of the local community and community and municipal leaders. I also met with NGOs, civil society, political leaders, members of the diplomatic community and the private sector when he opened the new Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv and attended the St Patrick's Day events in Tel Aviv and Ramallah. In Tel Aviv, I met with Minister Ayoob Kara from the Prime Minister’s Office together with senior officials. In Ramallah I met with the Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.
I was accompanied by four officials from my Department. The final costs cannot be confirmed until the final invoices are received in respect of this visit. The costs incurred to date for the delegation are set out in the following table:
|
Nature of Expense |
Amount |
|
Flights & Luggage Charges |
€15,900.00 |
|
Accommodation London |
€606.00 |
|
Accommodation Beirut |
€377.13 |
|
Newbridge Silver Gifts for distribution |
€295.00 |
|
Working Dinner Tel Aviv |
€285.41 |
|
Heathrow Taxi/Minibus transfer from hotel to Terminal 2 Heathrow Airport |
€33.53 |
Commemorative Medals
Ceisteanna (412)
Joan Collins
Ceist:412. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces are being ordered to wear the new 1916 commemorative medal (details supplied); if this is an unintended mistake; if he will correct this anomaly by ensuring the service medals of 1916 and the War of Independence are inexorably listed to the fore of any official precedent here involving State primary service medals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18974/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It was not possible to reply to the Deputy in the time available. My Department is making ongoing enquiries into the matter and I will reply directly to the Deputy once a reply comes to hand.
Defence Forces Remuneration
Ceisteanna (413)
Joan Collins
Ceist:413. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to implement reimbursement for Defence Forces personnel for the mounting of medals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18975/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware the scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) provides a formal mechanism for the PDF Representative Associations, RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official side. The purpose of the scheme is to provide a means for the determination of claims and proposals from the Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.
The issue of reimbursement for Defence Forces personnel in respect of the mounting of medals is the subject of a claim that was submitted by PDFORRA to the Conciliation Council on 31 August 2016 and is currently on the Council Agenda. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further in the circumstances.
Air Corps Operations
Ceisteanna (414)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:414. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Air Corps pilot officer who recently admitted taking cocaine had access to flight plans by either Air Corps or Garda aerial surveillance platforms used for illegal drug interdiction; and if they were tasked at any stage with duties associated with such flights. [18984/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following a recent Compulsory Random Drug Testing in Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel, one member of the Defence Forces tested as "unclear" for a controlled substance.
It is the case that under Defence Force Administrative Procedures, unclear initial test sample results cannot be considered positive until the sample provided has been tested by a designated civilian laboratory and the presence of a controlled drug is revealed.
Therefore, the administrative process for the recent "unclear" test remains ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment further in respect of an individual case.
Air Corps Operations
Ceisteanna (415)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:415. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if investigations have been launched to determine whether the Air Corps pilot officer that recently admitted taking cocaine was connected to other drug-taking or other activities associated with the illegal drugs trade or with criminal organisations. [18985/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following a recent Compulsory Random Drug Testing in Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel, one member of the Defence Forces tested as "unclear" for a controlled substance.
It is the case that under Defence Force Administrative Procedures, unclear initial test sample results cannot be considered positive until the sample provided has been tested by a designated civilian laboratory and the presence of a controlled drug is revealed.
Therefore, the administrative process for the recent "unclear" test remains ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment further in respect of an individual case.